87.                 $100

Birge, Gilbert & Co. Patent Brass Eight Day Clock, 1834-1837.  John Birge must be the most promiscuous clockmaker of his time, having arrangements with numerous fellow clockmakers over many years.  This business morphed into Birge & Gilbert and then Birge, Mallory & Co. in 1838.  This is the first clock I have offered by this company.  The figured mahogany empire case is 36 inches tall with a slightly crusty finish; note the flame mahogany full columns on each side and the sleigh-front corbels below.   There are some veneer chips and missing strips.  The glasses appear to be original, or at least very old; the middle glass has lost its eglomise image and a decal medallion replaces it.  The lower door glass is missing.  The wood dial is in terrible shape with considerable losses and gold touch-up to the gilded chapter ring.  More work is needed.  The mirror behind the opening is in a tin holder and both are likely original, but the rod needed to lift the mirror to view the movement is lost.  The hands are period.  The 8-day, time-and-strike, weight-driven, strap-brass movement is unsigned; it will run but the strike is sluggish, and it strikes on a replacement brass bell.  There are no weights with this clock, but I may have some weights available – put a note on your bid sheet.  There is an embossed pendulum bob and a good label inside.  I will part out this clock if desired. $100–$250.